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Senate passes bill allowing certain sabot-style projectiles for Idaho muzzleloader season
Summary
House Bill 128, changing what projectiles are permitted in Idaho muzzleloader hunts, cleared the Senate after extended debate about fair chase, accuracy and the Fish and Game Commission’s opposition.
The Idaho Senate on March 20 passed House Bill 128, a bill that changes the permitted projectile types for muzzleloader (black‑powder) hunting and allows certain saboted projectiles in muzzleloader seasons.
Sponsor Senator Lent described the bill as a measure to update and modernize rules governing muzzleloaders and said saboted projectiles improve accuracy and efficiency. Lent said sabots help seal gas and stabilize the projectile to the rifling and that Idaho’s existing rules were more prescriptive than neighboring states.
Several senators urged caution. Senator Guthrie said muzzleloader seasons are meant to limit take and provide a different, more challenging hunting experience; he noted the Idaho Fish and Game Commission opposes the change. Senator Harris and others raised concerns about “fair chase,” improved accuracy and the Commission’s role in equipment regulation.
Proponents argued sabots and modern projectiles can improve terminal performance and produce cleaner kills; proponents referenced earlier policy changes that allowed expanding broadheads and lighted nocks in archery season to reduce wounded animals.
After debate, the Senate recorded a roll call with 28 votes in favor and 7 against; the majority having voted in the affirmative. House Bill 128 passed the Senate and will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for further action.
